What if there was a place where Diaspora women could come together to create, thrive, inspire & network.

Promotional poster for an event called Empower Her, celebrating women, building bridges, and inspiring change on March 7-8, organized by African Cultural Foundation, SETI, and Diaspora Creatives. The poster features a silhouette of a woman's profile against a purple background.

The 1st Edition of
EMPOWERHER

The first edition of “Empower Her” in 2025 was a groundbreaking two-day event that brought together women from diverse backgrounds and origins to celebrate their achievements, resilience, and collective power. The event underscored the importance of collaboration, mutual support, and community-building, creating a space for inspiration, networking, and empowerment.

“EmpowerHer - The Mag” showcases marvelous memories and pictures of this empowering event and celebration of women. Get your copy for your forever inspiration…

The Mag

2 days

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110+ Participants

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8 Activities

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20+ Nominations for the EmpowerHer Award

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11 Speakers

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450+ Votes for the EmpowerHer Award

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35k Social Media Engagement generated

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2 days 〰️ 110+ Participants 〰️ 8 Activities 〰️ 20+ Nominations for the EmpowerHer Award 〰️ 11 Speakers 〰️ 450+ Votes for the EmpowerHer Award 〰️ 35k Social Media Engagement generated 〰️

High-level Speakers, Powerhouse Women, Inspiration & Impact

  • A woman wearing colorful traditional attire and glasses, holding a microphone and speaking at a presentation event. A monitor behind her displays a webpage about empowerment. A bright yellow poster with the logo 'Prosi' and a banner for a conference is visible in the background.

    Ambassador of Burkina Faso
H.E. Mrs Maïmounata OUATTARA.

    Ambassador of Burkina Faso, H.E. Mrs. Ouattara is a seasoned diplomat and advocate for women’s empowerment and regional cooperation. She brings a strong voice to international forums on sustainable development and cultural exchange.

    learn more about Ambassador Ouattara
  • Woman with blond braids, wearing a polka dot dress, smiling and passing a microphone to another woman during an event.

    Ceri Samvillian, Author & Personal Development.

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

    Learn more about Ceri
  • A smiling woman dressed in vibrant African-inspired clothing, featuring a patterned blazer and large gold jewelry, standing in a warmly lit indoor setting.

    Harriet Hala, Director of Fab l'style Magazine.

    Harriet Hala is the Director of Fab l’style Magazine, a platform celebrating African fashion, lifestyle, and creative voices. She is passionate about redefining beauty standards and amplifying diverse narratives in media.

    Learn more about Harriet
  • A woman in a black leather jacket and beige pants sitting on a white chair, holding a microphone and smiling, during a presentation or panel discussion at a conference.

    Eva Burger, Lead of Women Empowerment at Austrian Economic Chamber of Labor.

    Eva Burger leads Women Empowerment initiatives at the Austrian Economic Chamber of Labor. She works to create inclusive economic policies and champions gender equity in the workforce.

    Learn more about Eva

THE EMPOWERHER AWARD 2025

THE EMPOWERHER AWARD 2025

Two smiling women with dark skin standing close together in an indoor setting, one holding a bouquet of pink flowers, and both holding books. The woman on the left has braided hair, earrings, and a colorful necklace, while the woman on the right wears a headscarf and a patterned scarf.

The Empower Her Awards celebrate extraordinary women shaping Africa’s future.
The Creative Innovation Award honors a woman using creativity to drive change in culture and the arts. The Community Impact Award recognizes a woman leading social initiatives that uplift and empower her community. The Entrepreneurial Trailblazer Award celebrates a visionary entrepreneur building success while inspiring others.

MEET THE AWARD WINNERS 2025

Wellness, Harnessing Skills & Networking

  • A woman in a beige blazer with a yellow scarf, speaking and gesturing with her hand in a meeting or presentation, with a man visible in the foreground.

    Otalia Sacko, Founder of Sawashea - Sheabutter Wellness Workshop.

    Otalia Sacko is the Founder of Sawashea, a wellness brand rooted in shea butter traditions. She empowers women through entrepreneurship and celebrates African heritage through natural wellness.

    Learn More
  • A woman leading a yoga or meditation class in a bright, urban studio with large windows, seated on a purple mat, demonstrating a hand gesture to the participants.

    Marie Spaemann, Empowerment and wellbeing for growth.

    Marie Spaemann focuses on empowerment and wellbeing as tools for personal and collective growth. Through music and holistic practices, she nurtures healing and transformation.

    Learn More
  • Two women practicing yoga inside. One woman is sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat, eyes closed, and singing or chanting, while the other is seated nearby, watching or listening. The setting is bright and airy with large windows and a view of an outdoor patio.

    Ravalli, Origins of Yoga and Chill Down Session.

    Ravalli brings the Origins of Yoga and calming Chill Down Sessions to life through mindful movement and spiritual connection. Her work centers inner balance, peace, and cultural roots.

    Learn More
Panel discussion with six diverse speakers seated on stage in front of a large screen, with an audience watching.

Panel Discussion:

Diaspora Women as Ambassadors of Creativity: Harnessing Skills, Networks, and Innovation to Promote Talent and Narratives Beyond Borders.”

Digital graphic showing a panel discussion with seven diverse speakers, each with a vertical label of their name, set against a background with a close-up profile of a woman on the left and text saying 'Panel Discussion'.

This dynamic panel explored the powerful role of diaspora women in amplifying African creativity on the global stage. Kicking off with an inspiring video message from filmmaker and activist Joana Adesuwa Reiterer, the discussion brought together voices across design, entrepreneurship, and activism.

Maja from Bold Creatives, Alan Ho of Ho&Co Design, Moumi Awudu, Rilwan Mogaji of the Diaspora Business Hub, and moderator Youssouf Simbo Diakité of ADYFE shared insights on leveraging networks, innovation, and identity to promote talent and narratives beyond borders. The session spotlighted how diaspora connections are not just bridges—but engines—for cultural and economic transformation.

A marketplace of institutions and organisations for women in Vienna

Fresh Vibes

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AFRIEUROTEXT ÖSTERREICH

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larger.world

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ZARA Civil Courage

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Türkish Airlines

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Fresh Vibes • AFRIEUROTEXT ÖSTERREICH • larger.world • ZARA Civil Courage • Türkish Airlines •

Re.live the moments.

Testimonials, smiles, hugs, emotions…EmpowerHer2025 was a groundbreaking event for diaspora women, black women and women of color in Vienna.

THEY WERE OUR PARTNERS/SPONSORS FOR THE 2025 EDITION

  • Webster University Vienna - Alumni Association

  • Embassy of Burkina Faso in Vienna

  • Ochei Bar & Restaurant

  • Ho & Co

  • Prosi Exotic Supermarkt